Ian Fortune
Robert Gleeson confirmed this morning that Droopys Kathleen has run her final race of the year after picking up an injury in the final of the Gourmet Island Puppy Oaks.
Despite seeing off a talented field in a very fast 28.05, it was clear to those that had witnessed her incredible record-breaking display in the semis that she wasn’t striding out with the same purpose.
The news came through this morning that she would be on the easy list after picking up a tibia injury. Said Gleeson of his superstar, “She didn’t run the third bend the other night and I knew something was wrong. Thankfully, she will be absolutely fine. She has plenty of time so there’s no rush. We’ll look to get a race or two into her next year before the Puppy Oaks. The Oaks is the main target.”
When she does return to the track early next year, she is certain to prove a real draw. The daughter of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Dancer has attracted the attention of the greyhound world and it has been wonderful to hear so much interest in her exploits, especially from the equine world.
Of course, she is owned by leading jockey Dylan Browne McMonigle and he has already been quizzed on his star on a number of different platforms, including a few in Australia. It was also wonderful to hear her getting a great mention on Betfair’s wonderful horse-racing podcast, Weighed-In, with Kevin Blake and Brendan Duke speaking of the canine star.
Indeed, Duke actually made the journey to Shelbourne Park on Saturday night to witness her in the flesh and seemed suitably impressed when we caught up with him after racing.